Conflict Management

Working together isn’t always easy

What is conflict?

How would you describe

it?

What is conflict?Dictionary definition:

– disagreement, struggle, fight, incompatible

Consequences of conflict

Lack of conflict is a sign of over conformity.

It is unhealthy when there is no conflict

You need diversity

of opinion

Components of conflict

Good Consequences

of Conflict

increased creativity

It forces people to clarify their views

It can produce constructive social

change

It gives people the opportunity to test their capacities

•development of group and organization cohesion

•Bad Consequences

of Conflict

Violence

breakdown of relationships

polarization of views into static positions

A breakdown of collaborative ventures

destruction of communication

The cost of conflict• Relationship costs

The cost of conflict• Costs to the individual

The cost of conflict

• Costs to the company

Main sources of

conflict• The aggressive

or competitive behaviour of human beings

Main sources of conflict• Competition for limited resources

Main sources of conflict• Frustration

Main sources of conflict

• The Introduction of

Main sources of conflict• Clashes between values and interest

Main sources of conflict• Cultural influences

Main sources of conflict

• Misinformation, assumptions and expectations

Main sources of conflict

• Role and status issues

Main sources of conflict

• Mind games

Main sources of conflict• Triggers.

The Emotional v The Rational Brain

Emotional brain

Emotional Vs Rational• The 'Emotional' brain• Quickly processes

incoming information • Filters for potential threat • Triggers fight or flight

Fight or Flight?• Body produces adrenaline• Natural animal instinct• Bodies response to perceived threat• Blood redirected to major muscle groups• Hearing level drops off • Eyesight improves

Emotional Vs Rational• The 'Rational' brain • Allows objectivity• Makes sense of any risk

Red rag phrases - barriers• “I think the best way would be to….”

• “Yes, but…”

• “Yes, but I still think…”

• “What you don’t seem to realise is…”

• “Whatever you say, but what I am going to do is.”

• “Why don’t you listen to sense”

• “You are the one being difficult”.

Inhibitors

• Social or legal consequences • Self control• Personal values• Fear that the other person will fight

back

How communication worksSender

Receiver

Encodes

Decodes

Message

Attitude & Behaviour Cycle

Your AttitudeYour Attitudeaffectsaffects

Your Your BehaviourBehaviour

affectsaffects My AttitudeMy Attitude affectsaffects

My My BehaviourBehaviour

affectsaffects

How can conflict be managed successfully?

Strategies to Resolve Conflicts

• Assume you do not have all the answers.

• Ask questions to understand the other person(s).

• Be prepared to compromise or make a deal.

Active listening• Really listen to what they are saying• Focus your attention on them• Use non-verbal cues (e.g. nodding the

head)• Paraphrase what they have said, to show

that you have understood.

These are all the same -

A piece of cheese!

A

B

Empathy• It works because it acknowledges people’s

feelings

– Try to put yourself in their shoes – Acknowledge their feelings – Step alongside them, try to see things from

their point of view

Outcomes of conflict

Lose – loseWin – loseWin - win

Resolving the Conflict

Looking for a win-win

How can conflict be managed successfully?

Win-win conflict.Both parties achieve their desires.Collaboration or problem solving are

forms of win-win conflict.

Reaching win-win

To Achieve Win/Win ResultsGain participation from everyone involved in the

conflict.State the reason to work on a solution.

• Use empathy. Have each party see the problem/situation from the other point of view. State what you want.

• Repeat what you hear.

Components of Conflict

When you have to deal with conflict

tackle the emotional issues first then address values and interests